Farm Organism and Farm Individuality
In biodynamic agriculture, each farm or garden is viewed as an integrated whole, as a living organism in its own right. Like a human being, a farm is made up of many different organs and systems. When these are managed and brought together in a dynamic way, they interact positively with one another to support the health and well-being of the whole. This is referred to as the Farm Organism in biodynamics.
And like a human being, each farm is unique, with its own personality and identity. The holistic expression of a farm’s unique potential is referred to as the Farm Individuality.
The farm individuality encompasses soil types and characteristics—such as mineral content, organic matter and the mix of sand, silt, and clay—as well as forests and meadows, wetlands and cultivated ground, flowering trees and shrubs, domestic and wild animals, buildings and equipment and human beings living and working on the land. It also includes the history, character and purpose of the farm as well as more subtle, energetic aspects of the region and landscape. This is often referred to as terroir in wine-making.
Diversity, regionality, seasonality
In 62 countries there are more than 7000 farms that operate according to the biodynamic method and create unique, diverse habitats. The variety of humus-rich fields, with a varied crop rotation and seasonal specific produce – all this makes for the special quality and original taste. The landscapes designed by Demeter farms offer biotopes for small and large creatures, as well as encounters between town and country.
